Time for Grace-May 7, 2024

Time for Grace-May 7, 2024

James 1:17

Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, who does not change or shift like a shadow.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We like to take credit for what we do, but James reminds us that every good act of kindness is from you. These words are similar to Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, which states, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance so that we would walk in them.” Every perfect gift comes from you.

The perfect gift was Jesus’ righteousness, which covers all our imperfections. Jesus said, “So then, be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” We can never achieve that on our own. In case one might consider themselves pretty good, James also wrote, “In fact, whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles in one point has become guilty of breaking all of it.”

So, Jesus’ perfection is credited to us. He also paid the eternal price for our sins when he suffered and died on the cross; his resurrection—the empty tomb—was your receipt, showing our debt was paid in full. Salvation is the perfect gift you have given to us.

We have received the most excellent news of our salvation, followed by the fantastic message: you do not change. We are given these good and perfect gifts by believing and trusting in Jesus. Faith is the open hand that receives your gifts of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. So we thank you for your good and perfect gifts.

Let our response to these marvelous gifts be gratitude and love in return. Let us also love others so that we share your good and perfect gifts with those who don’t yet trust you. Please let the gospel message work in their hearts so they will also believe in Jesus as their Savior. Amen.

Written through Pastor Roger Emmons

God is love, and He never changes. Therefore, you can be confident in His love for you, the forgiveness Jesus won, and the Holy Spirit’s sanctification, establishing your faith to believe in Christ so you are restored and reunited with the Father’s perfect love.